Can treating machine and feed control therefor



Sept. 12, 1939. R. E; J. NORDQUIST 2,172,402

CAN TREATING MACHINE AND FEED CONTROL THEREFOR Filed June 12, 1935 4 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Ez'g-. Z

21 i b Z7 25?] it? 23 Z/ 2;? I 7 zjz z; 7 Z7] 16 Z6 Z64 a! 2' O ,4 2 b I: l 28 "36 w l I 2 7 16 h a, Q 7/ a l 2 1 g 9 C 3/ 2 a ue $5 ATTORNEYS Sept. 12, 1939. R. E. J. NORDQUIST CAN TREATING MACHINE AND FEED CONTROL THEREFOR v Sheets-Sheet 2' Filed June 12, 1935 ATTORNEYS Sept. 12, 1939. R. E. J. NORDQUIST 2,172,402

CAN TREATING MACHIEB AND FEED CONTROL THEREFOR Filed June 12, 1 955 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 [gig-5H5? U V/EZLII R '7 Shets-Sheet 4 R. E J. NORDQUIST Filed June 12, 1935 CAN TREATING MACHINE AND FEED CONTROL THEREFOR Sept. 12 1939'.

J, U W\a v(w C VEN ATTORNEYS Sept. 12, 1939. R. E. J. NORDQUIST ,1

CAN- TREATING MACHINE AND FEED CONTROL THEREFOR Filed June 1 2, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 fi jfl 96 97 24/ l n Q 99 Z4 M Z44 I 95 I 975/; M4 /6 Q8 x 66 W W "\w m: 7/; 1 353 /4 7? 99. W/ Q I b I Z M I jaz ATTORNEYS Sept. 12, 1939 R E J. NORDQUIST 2,172,402

CAN TREATING MACHINE AND FEED CONTROL THEREFOR Filed June 12, 1955 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 ATTORNEYS Sept. 12, 1939. R. E. J. NORDQUIST 2,172,402

CAN TREATING MACHINE AND FEED CONTROL THEREFQR Filed June 12, 1935 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Patented Sept. 12, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CAN TREATING MACHINE AND FEED CON- TROL THEREFOR Ronald E. J. Nordquist, Maplewood, N. 1., assignor to American Can Company, New York, N. Y a corporation of New Jersey Application June 12, 1935, Serial No. 26,275

19 Claims. (01. 113-1) An object of the invention is the provision of iii a can and cover feed control for a filled can treating machine wherein cans are tested for fill and when the test shows that the cans are improperly filled they are ejected from the machine without receiving can covers.

5 Another object is the provisiori of such a con trol mechanism which governs the feeding of covers to the cans in accordance with the level of the contents in the cans and which withholds covers from insufficiently filled cans.

go Another object is the provision of such a control mechanism wherein the failure to feed a cover to a can, properly filled or otherwise, automatically diverts the can from the machine.

Still another object is the provision of can 5 fill detecting devices associated with such a control for cans filled with liquids which have a tendency to foam when agitated wherein cans containing less than a predetermined quantity of liquid irrespective of the foam therein are removed.

A further object is the provision of a control of the character described which functions in connection with cans passing through the machine in a continuous procession, the control op 35 crating electrically, when an improperly filled can is detected, to eject such a can without interrupting the operation of the machine or the passage of other cans the'rethrough.

Numerous other objects and advantages of the g invention will be apparentas it is better understood from the following description, which, taken in connectlonwith the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

45 Figure 1 is a top plan view of a can and cover feeding mechanism embodying the instant inven- 4 tion, with parts broken away;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section of a fragmentary part of the mechanism as taken substantially 50 along the section line 22 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged horizontal section, on two levels, viewed substantially along the line 33 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section taken substantially as along the line 4-4 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical section taken substantially along the broken line 5-5 in Fig. 1, parts broken away;

- Fig. 6 is a horizontal section taken substantially along the broken line 6-5 in Fig. 5; 6

Figs. 7 and 8 are enlarged fragmentary sectional views taken substantially along the respective lines l--l, ll-8 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is a horizontal section taken substantially along the broken line 9-9 in Fig. 8, parts 10 broken away;

Fig. 10 is a vertical section taken substantially along the broken line se se in Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of sep-' arator parts of the cover iced device;

Figs. 12 and 1-3 are fragmentary partial sectional views taken substantially along the line lZ-IZ in Fig. 9 and illustrating difierent positions of theparts-involved;

Fig. 1c is an. enlarged fragmentary section taken substantially along the line i4M in Fig. 1;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the can throw-out device illustrated in F18;

Fig. 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the curved line lG-JS in Fig. 1, with parts broken away;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section taken substantially along the broken line H-il in Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal view of a detail of the can throw-out device, with parts broken away; and

Fig. 19 is a wiring diagram of the electric control devices associated with the mechanism.

In the filling of cans or containerswith beer or other liquids which may be said to have foaming tendencies when agitated as during filling, it is very difficult if not impossible by ordinary filling methods to accurately test for fill by rea- 4o son of the presence of the foam. The apparatus of the present invention is well adapted to accurate testing for fill of a liquid irrespective of the presence of foam and therefore the preferred embodiment of the invention as disclosed in the drawings is designed for testing the fill of beer in cans and to supplying the cans which contain the desired quantity of liquid with can covers by means of which they may be closed or sealed.

. A filling machine, designated generally .by the letter A (Fig. '1) delivers cans,, indicated by the letter a, of beer or other liquid, into a double seamer or other can sealing machine, marked on the drawings by the letter B. In their passage from one machine to the other the filled cans '55 are subjected to the operation of a can-fill testing or detecting device, desiganted broadly by C. This device C includes a pair of spaced electrodes ordetecting elements which are dipped into a can to a predetermined depth to ascertain if the can is sufliciently and properly filled.

The electrodes are a part of an electric control system. When liquid at the proper fill level electrically closes the gap between the spaced electrodes, a can cover b is released from a magazine; Foam does not electrically close the circuit and therefore a can cover is fed only at such time that there is a properly filled can to receive it.

This released cover is carried from the. feed device to a position directly above the moving can. The can and cover are then carried forward together in this alignment to the closing apparatus or other place of deposit as may be desired.

When cans are improperly filled, such as when they contain insufficient liquid or when the liquid has materially foamed up during filling with a 'resulting low liquid level, the cans are detected by the testing devices and are automatically thrown out or diverted from the machine without covers by a discharge device E.

For eflicient and smooth operation of the apparatus the electric control circuits are arranged to maintain the system energized while the testing electrodes are out of the cans and as long as properly filled cans are continuously passing the testing devices. It is only when an improperly filled can is detected, and a failure of electric energy in the power line occurs that the circuits are deenergized to throw out a can. In the case of a failure of current the cans would not be tested at all. However, this current failure will prevent the operation of the cover feeding device and the untested cans will not receive covers. Thus they would be diverted from the machine.

The preferred form of the invention comprises in part a stationary-table 2| (Fig. 1) which receives the cans a from moving can supports 22 which are associated with the can filling machine A and which continually move past the table. The transfer is effected by a curved guide rail 23 one end of which is disposed'across the path of travel of the moving cans while on the supports. This rail is secured to the top of the table.

The table 2| is preferably a part of the double seamer or can closing machine B and is supported on a main frame 24. In a double seamer cans are spaced further apart than the spacing utilized in the usual multiple head filling machine and accordingly spacing fingers 25 are provided for this spacing. These fingers are moved by any suitable means around a stationary timing cam 26.

The fingers 25 engage behind the cans as they are received and convey them in a circular path of travel across the table 2| between the curved guide rail 23 and a cooperative inverted cup shaped shell 28 having a can guiding edge 29. This shell is disposed over the top of the cam 26 and is secured to the top thereof.

Can testing device The cans while moving across the table 2| are tested by the testing or detecting device C and it is then ascertained whether or not they are properly filled. This testing device is carried in a hollow arm 3| (Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4) having a removable top cover plate 32. One end of the arm is formed with a bearing 33 which carries an internal bushing 34. The bushing is mounted on one end of a shouldered pivot shaft 35 having 9.

head 36 which engages against one end of the bearing.

The opposite end of the shaft is engaged in a boss 31 of a bracket 36 and is held against'turning by a cap screw 39 which is threaded into the end of the-shaft. The bracket is bolted to the top of the guide shell 28.

The free or opposite end of the arm 3| is formed with an enlarged hollow head 45 (see also Fig. 4) which carries a pair of depending spaced electrodes 46. These electrodes are carried in shouldered insulating thimbles 41 which are located in inverted countersunk bores 46 formed in the botttom wall of the hollow head. The electrodes and the thimbles are held in place as a unit by nuts 49 which are threadedly connected to each of the electrodes and are disposed inside the head.

The electrodes 46 depend from the bottom of the head 45 above the path of travel of the cans and are moved down into each can as it passes therebeneath. This is effected by a pivotal movement of the arm 3| .on the shaft 35. The bearing 33 is formed with a depending lever arm '53 (Fig. 2) which is connected to one end of a link 54. The other end of the link is connected to a leg 55 (Fig. 1) of a bell crank 56 which is mounted on a stud 51. The stud is carried in a boss 58 formed in the mainframe 24.

The other leg of the bell crank 56, indicated by the character 62, carries a cam roller 63 which operates in a cam groove 64 of a cam 65. The cam is keyed to a cam drive shaft 66 which is carried in a suitable bearing 61 formed in the side of the main frame 24. This drive shaft is rotated continuously by any suitable means in proper time to rock the arm 3| and dip the electrodes 46 into each can as it passes.

The electrodes 46 are a physical part of one of the electric circuits hereinbefore briefly mentioned and which will be fully explained in connection with a description of the wiring diagram illustrated in Fig. 19. It is sufficient at this time to merely locate the wires in the testing device.

One of the electrodes 46 (Fig. 3) is connected to the end of a lead wire II and the other is connected to the end of a wire 12, both wires being disposed in the hollow arm 3|. The wires pass through openings 13, 14 formed in the bushing 34 and shaft 35, respectively, the latter ope'ning connecting-with a longitudinal bore 15 formed centrally of the shaft and through which the wires extend.

At the bracket end of the shaft the bore I5 communicates with an opening 16 inthe shaft and an opening Tl in the boss 31. This latter opening is enlarged to receive the end of aconduit pipe 18 through which the wires extend. Thus the arm 3| may be rocked about its pivot shaft 35 without disturbing the electric connections to the electrodes 46.

The can after passing the testing device con tinues its travel across the table 2| where it meets a can pocket 8| (Figs. land 12) of a turret l2.

- The turret is mounted on a stationary central column 83 formed as a part of the main frame 24. The turret is continuously rotated in proper time by any suitable means.

Cover feed device plurality of vertical by the turret 32 and it is in the turret pocket that it meets the can.

A supply of covers b is arranged in stack formation within a magazine which comprises a rods 9| (Figs. 1, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10). Two of these rods are threaded into a ma n bracket 92 formed with a half mould hub 93 which engages the central column 83 of the machine. This hub is bolted to a similar half mould hub 84. which fits the other side of the column and isa part of an auxiliary bracket 95. Thus both main and auxiliary brackets are supported on the column.

A third magazine rod Si is thread'edly secured in the top of a cross strap 96 (Fig. 10) which is held in place by bolts 91 on the top of a cover feed frame 88. This frame is mounted on the bracket 92 and is held infixed position by the bolts 91. each of which extends through upper and lower frame bosses 99, the lower end of each bolt being threaded into the bracket.

A short stud IIJI (Figs. 8 and 10) is secured in the bottom of the cross strap 96 and extends down in vertical alignment with and forms a lower extension of one of the magazine rods.

The lowermost cover in the stack is supported at its rear on a horizontally projecting ledge III (Figs. 8, 9 and 10) of a vertically movable slide II? which moves in a T-shaped groove II3 formed in the front lower end of the cover feed frame 98. This end of the frame extends down into an opening II4 formed in the bracket 92,

- the opening being so shaped as to also accommodate the lower covers in the stack. The cover stack is directly above the path of the turret pockets BI.

At times, as will be explained hereinafter, the slide H2 is moved down to deliver the lowermost cover into a passing turret pocket M. This movement is efiected by a cam H6 having a groove I I? in which operates a cam roller I I8. The roller is mounted on a pin II9 which is carried in the upper end of the slide II2.

The cam H6 is keyed to a short vertical cover feed cam shaft I22 which at its lower end is journaled in a bearing I23 formed in the lower end ofthe cover feed frame 98. At its upper end the shaft passes through a bushing I24 which is journaled in a bearing I25 formed in the upper section of the cover feed frame. A nut I26 threaded on the top end of the shaft holds it and its bushing in the bearings.

Shaft I 22 is continuously rotated by a pinion I21 secured to its lower end below the bearing I23. This pinion is driven by a gear I28 which'is mounted on top of the turret 82 and is rotated with it.

In front the lowermost cover b in the magazine is supported in part on an upper rim I 32 (see also Fig. 11) of a cup shaped cover separator disc I33. The separator disc is carried on the top of a separator body I34 and both of these are keyed to a vertical shaft I35 (Figs. 7 and 8). This shaft is journaled in a lower bearing I36 formed in a casing I 38 bolted to the main frame 24 and in 'an upper bearing I31 formed in a cover plate I38 bolted on top of the casing.

The shaft I35 is continuously rotated through a gear connection comprising a bevel gear I4I mounted on the shaft, bevel gears I42, I43 mounted on the ends of a horizontal shaft I44 carried in casing bearings I45 and a bevel gear I46 mounted on a drive shaft I41 carried in a bearing I48, this hearing being also formed in the casing I30. The drive shaft I41 is driven in 3 any suitable manner in time with the other moving parts of the machine.

Rotation of the separator disc I33 in the direction as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 11 causes the rim I32 to move out from under the stack of covers and unless the stack is otherwise held, as will be later explained, the forward side of the entire stack of covers drops down. When this takes place the bottom cover passes into a recess II cut in the outer edge of the separator disc. This lowermost cover moves down onto the top of the separator body I34 and onto a ledge I52.

Continuedrotation of the separator disc I33 brings a laterally projecting: knife edge I53, formed on the outer edge of the disc, in between the lowermost cover and the cover next above and cuts out or separates the former from the stack. Following this the rim I32 of the disc moves under the stack and the remaining covers are then supported on the rim. During this separating operation the bottom or cut-out cover remains on the ledge I52, a clearance groove I54 being provided for this purpose in the edge of the disc under the knife edge I53below the supporting rim I32.

A part of the ledge I52 is cut away in a recess as at I56 (Fig. 11) and this leadsinto a spiral groove I51 formed in the separator body I34. As separator disc and body further rotate the front edge of the separated cover drops into the recess I56 and is then tilted down into and is guided by the groove I57. In thistilting action the cover moves from the position of Fig. 12 to the bottom of the groove (Fig. 13). In the last position the front side of the cover rests on top of a plate I58 which is secured on top of/the cover plate I38.

The separated cover is momentarily held in this inclined position of Fig. 13.with its rear edge still resting on the ledge III. Its forward edge is now in an annnular clearance groove I59 formed by cutting away the lower edge of the separator body I34.

During this dwell of the released cover, a pair of diametrically disposed stack supporting side fingers I62 (Figs. 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13) move in toward the stack. These fingers have projecting bottom ledges. I63 which pass under the outer edge on both sides of the bottom cover remaining in the stack. The fingers I62 extend down into clearance recesses I64, I65 (Fig. 9) formed in the bracket 92 adjacent to and merging into the stack opening II4.

At their upper ends the fingers are carried by and are bolted to the forward ends of a pair of wings I66 (Fl-gs. 9 and one of which is disposed on each side of the cover magazine. Each wing is formed with a vertical hub I61 which is mounted on a cover feed bracket bolt 91 in between the spaced bosses 99 of the bracket.

The wings I66 rock on the bolts 91 as pivots, at the proper time,,be ng moved by a cam I1I (Figs. 8 and 9). The cam is provided with a groove I12 in which operates a roller I13 carried ,on the end of an arm I14 formed on its associated wing hub I61. This cam is mounted on the cover feed drive shaft I22 just above the slide cam H6, and

turns with the shaft.

As the fingers I62 move into position with their ledges I63 under the stack of covers, the slide cam II6 moves the slide II2 down so-as to lower the rear edge of the partially cut-out cover (Fig. 13). This action completely separates the cut-out cover from the bottom cover remaining in the stack, leaving the stack supported on the two finger ledges I93 and on the separator disc rim I32.

The separated cover is now in the path of travel of a cover engaging lug I9I (Figs. 8, 10, 12, 13 and 17) carried by the turret 02. The lug extends up from the top of a semi-cylindrical or half ring I92, seated in a recess I93 formed in the turret adjacent the inner edge of each of the can pockets 9I.

With the rotation of the turret 82, the lug I9I engages the separated cover sweepingit oi! its supporting finger ledge III and plate I59. The rear edge of the cover drops down onto' a raised wall I94 oi the ring I92, the cover being thus supported directly over the top of the canpocket 9|. The cover is held in this position by the lug I9I and a pair of holding lugs I95 disposed at opposite ends of the raised wall and projecting up from the top of the ring.

The forward edge oi the cover when moved of! the plate. I39 passes into and is supported by the walls of a groove I98 formed in the inner edge of the cover guide rail I91. This rail is bolted to the bottom of the bracket 92. While thus supported the cover is carried forward by the turret to the point where the pocket containing the cover is presented to meet its properly filled can. The timing between rotation of the turret and travel of the can moving fingers 29 is so synchronized that the cover will meet the same properly filled can that has been responsible for its release from the stack. This will be further explained.

It a can when tested is found to be improperly filled no cover is released for that can. The stack of covers in addition to being held in the magazine by the disc rim I32 as already described is also affected by a slide finger I 9| (Figs. 8 and 9) by means of which a feeding action takes place or by means of which such action is prevented.

One end of the slide finger I9I rests on top of the cover separator disc I33. This end is formed with a slot I92 through which extends the upper end, reduced in diameter, of the shaft I39. The finger is loosely held by. a washer and nut I93 the latter being threadedly engaged on the shaft end.

The end of the slide finger adjacent the slot I92 is curved to fit the inside contour of the separator disc rim I32 and is further formed with a projecting ledge I99 which. when the slide is moved toward 'the stack of covers, moves under the forward edge of the lowermost cover in the stack. This ledge when the slide finger is in, supports the stack, this being in addition to the support of the disc rim I32, and prevents feeding when the recess Iii passes under the cover.

Movement of the slide finger is controlled by an electric solenoid I91 (Fig. 5) having lead wires I99, I99 which form a physical part of the electric circuits hereinbefore briefly mentioned. The 7 solenoid is housed in an open end casing I which is bolted over the top of and in communication with an upper compartment 202 of a switch housing 293. This housing is secured to the side of the casing I39.

An improperly filled can effects the de-energization of the solenoid I91 which causes a core 206 movable therein to drop, whereupon a latch member 296 (see also Fig. 6) with which it is connected. also drops. One end of this latch member is pivoted on a stud 2 carried in lugs m formed in a side wall of the housing 203,

and located inside the upper compartment 202. The other end of the latch member is formed in an upright hook 2 which normally engages with and holds a depending hook 2I5 formed on the end of a slidable latch bar 2I0. The latch bar is carried in a slot 2" formed in a side wall of the housing 203.

The outer end of the latch bar 2I6 is pivotally connected to the bifurcated endof a lever arm 22I of a three arm bell crank 222. I This crank is mounted on a pivot shaft 223 carried in the ends of bracket arms 229 formed on the casing I30. A second arm 226 (Fig'. 6) of the crank is connected to one end of a link 221. The opposite end of this link pivotally joins a bent lever 229 which is mounted on a vertical shaft 229 carried in suitable bearings formed in the housing I and cover plate I39.

At its top the shaft 229 also carries a lever 234 one end of which is connected to the rear end of the cover slide finger I ll. It is this shaft and these levers that are rocked when the latch members 206, 2I6 are disconnected and it is 'then' that the slide-finger I9I moves into stack supporting position so as to prevent the release of a cover.

This rocking movement is eifected by an expansion spring 235 (Fig. 6) one end of which is retained in a hollow nut 236 threaded in a lug 231 formed on the side of the housing 203. The opposite end of the spring is located in a hollow spring barrel 239 slidably mounted in a bore 239 in the lug 231. The closed end of this spring barrel under pressure of the spring engages the end of a lever arm 2 of the bent lever 229 andv rocks the shaft 229 when the latch members are disconnected.

.The slide finger I9I stays in stack supporting position for a cycle of operation following its movement there until the stack can again be supported by the separator disc rim I32. This timed holding of the finger is effected by a cam track 245 (Figs. 1, 5, 6 and 14) which is formed in a face of the cam 65, the cam track operating against a cam roller 249 carried on the free end of a thirdlever arm 291 of the bell crank 222.

The cam'track 245 is shaped to shift-the crank 222 and parts connected thereto against the resistance of the spring 235 and when the spring is brought under'compression the latch member 2I6 slides into latching engagement with the member 206. Thus if a properly filled can follows one improperly filled, the latch members will reengage and a cover will be fed for that properly filled can. Conversely if two improperly filled cans pass, the latch members will not latch for the second can and the slide finger. will be again moved into, position to prevent the release of a cover.

Can throw-out mechanism When a properly filled can is moved into its turret pocket II it passes below its cover, which is held on the ring I92 as hereinbefore described. The turret conveys both can and cover forward simultaneously. The can, still supported on the table 2|, is held in the turret pocket and guided in its curved track by an outer guide formed by guide rails 25I, 252 (Figs. 1, 16 and 1'7) which are spaced apart end for end and are secured to the top of the table. A movable guide arm or can switch 253 spans the space between the stationary rails and retains the properly filled .housed in a cylinder 21! can in its path as it passes a discharge disc 254, which will be fully described hereinafter.

The movable switch arm 253 is mounted on the lower end of a vertical shaft 256 (see also Fig. 15) which is carried at its upper end in a bearing 251 of a bracket 258. (Figs. 1 and 16.) Said arm is normally urged inward by a rod 215 actuated by a spring 214 as will be later described. A collar 259 secured to the top of the shaft holds it in the bearing. The bracket 258 is bolted to the side of an angle plate26i which in turn is adjustably bolted to the top 01 the auxiliary bracket 95.

The cover moves in vertical alignment with and above the can and is guided in a groove 263 of a yieldable cover guide or trip rail 264 (Figs. 1, 5, 16 and 17). At one end this trip rail is formed with a vertically disposed hub 265 by which it is supported. A clearance slot 266 is provided in the trip rail at this end through which The hub 265 is mounted on a shouldered pivot stud 268 which at its upper end is held in the bracket 258 by a nut 269 threadedly engaging a reduced top end of the stud. At its lower end the stud is formed with an enlarged head 210 which holds the hub and rail against vertical displacement.

At its forward end, the guide trip rail 264 is vertically supported by engagement of an integrally formed horizontal arm 2' (Figs. 1 and 15) between upper and lower prongs of a bracket 212. This bracket is mounted on a fixed vertical rod 213 which is carried in the can guide rail 25L The guide trip rail 264 is continuously urged into an inner position as in Fig. 15, or the trip rail is pressed in toward the cover in the turret pocket when a cover is passing as in Fig. 1. This urging action is the eiiect of a coil expansion spring 214 which encirclw end of which is secured to the trip rail by a headed pivot pin 276 (see also Fig. 16). a

The spring and the headed end of the rod are having a perforated cap 2'58 at one end through which the rod extends. The cap holds the spring under compression against the headed end of the rod Within the cylinder. The opposite end of the cylinder is plvotally secured in any suitablemanner to the hub 84 of the bracket 85.

The forward end of the guide rail 264 carries a yieldabletoe rail 28! having a cover guiding groove 282. One end of the toe slidably engages against the stationary guide rail 58?. This presents a flexible connection between the movable rail 264 and the stationary raili8! and provides a continuous guide track for the coverin its passage from the groove I 86 to the" groove 268 and facilitates such a passage.

The toe 28I is connected to the end of the rail 264 by a headed pivot pm 283 which exte through a boss 284 formed the toe. The lower end of the pin is secured i the rail 264 (see also Fig. 18). A spring barrel 235 is located in a bore 286 formed in the end or" the guide rail and is urged against a ledge 2M of the toe by a coilspring 286 within the spring barrel. Thus the the shaft 256 extends,

" pressure of the spring keeps the end of the toe in engagement with the end of the stationary rail. A horizontal pin 289 secured in the side of the toehub 284 is adapted to engage against a vertical stop pin 28! held in the rail, and this limits the yielding movement of the toe and prevents the spring 288 from pushing the barrel out of its bore. When in stopped position (Fig. 18)

a headed rod 215 one the testing circuit and the grooves I 86, 262 and 263 form a continuous curved path.

When there is no cover in a turret pocket ll passing adjacentthe guide rail 264, as when an improperly filled can in the pocket has failed to release a cover, the expansion spring 214 pulls toward the rod 215 and holds the rail in toward the turret as in Fig. 15. Movement of the guide rail into this position is accompanied by a similar shifting of the movablecan guide arm 253 '(see also the broken line positionof arm 253 in Fig. 17)

. A curved rack 293 (Figs. 16 and 17) is bolted to lugs 294 rail adjacent the clearance slot 266. The rack meshes with teeth of a segmental pinion 295 which is keyed to the shaft 256. An adjustable set screw 296 threadedly engaged in a boss 29! of the rail 264 extends into the clearance slot 266 and provides astop to limit the inward swing of the guiderail.

When the can guide switch arm 253 is in. and across the path of travel of an advancing can carried in the turret pocket 31 (see dot and dash lines in Fig. 1'7) the can on striking the switch arm is deflected from the turret pocket onto the discharge disc 254. A curved guide rail 288 mounted adjacent thereto directs further travel of the deflected can.

The discharge disc 254 (Figs. 1 and 15) is mounted on a continuously-rotating shat-t 30! journaled in suitable bearings formed in a table 362 which is secured to the side of the machine main frame 24. Rotation of the'disc carries the uncovered can along the rail 298 and into engagement with a deflector bar 303 which sweeps the can'oif the disc onto the table from which it 'may be disposed of in any suitable manner. The deflector bar 303 and curved guide rail 298 are secured to the top of this table.

When a properly'iilled can is delivered into a turret pocket 8! and a cover discharged'from the stack as already described is in place thereabove, the cover engages against the hinged toe 28i and pushes out the cover guide rail 264, hold- Electric control devices The electric control circuits which include the electrodes 46 and which function in feeding or releasing can covers 12 from the cover feed device 1) when the test indicates filled cans a will now be considered and reference should be had to the wiring diagram of Fig. 19. There are four interconnected control electrlc circuits which receive electric energy from a suitable source as through the secondary of a transformer 350 which may be connected on the primary side by service wires 35!, 352 to a generator 363. Q

The first of these circuits may be considered includes the electrodes 46 and their wires ii, 72. The wire II is tapped into the secondary winding of the transformer 350. Wire T2 is connected to one end'of a. testing sole noid relay 355 the opposite end of which is connected to a wire 856. This latter wire is conwhich extend up from the top of the secondary winding of the transformer III. This ieturn wire 351 preferably includes a safety fuse when the electrodes 49 are dipped down into a properly filled can, and the liquid completes the testing circuit, the testing solenoid relay 3" is energized. This establishes a second or auxiliary testing circuit.

Energizing of thesolenoid relay Ill shifts a core "I centrally disposed therein and the core electrically connects with a terminal contact 332 of a wire 363. The lower'end of the core"! is connected by a wire 3 to the wire I. The wire 333 joins with the winding of an auxiliary solenoid relay 395. The other end of the solenoid windingis connected by a wire I to the wire 1|. In this auxiliary testing circuit electric energy passes from the transformer through wire 366, through solenoid 335, wire 393, terminal contact 362, core 36l, wires 3, 339, 351 including fuse 358, back into the transformer. This energizes the auxiliary solenoid 385 and establishes a third or cover feed control circuit.

Energization of the auxiliary solenoid 399 actuates a movable double core 3", 312 which closes two gaps, one between the core 31l and a terminal contact of a wire 313, the other between the core 312- and a terminal contact of a wire 31!. The wire 313 is tapped into the secondary winding of the transformer 353. The solenoid core 31! is directly connected with the wirel 99 leading into the solenoid I91. The other wire I98 of the cover feed solenoid connects with the wire 351.

When the cover feed control circuit is complete, current from the transformer passes through the testing circuit along wire 313, core 31l of the auxiliary solenoid 365, wire I99, cover feed solenoid I91, thence back to the transformer along wires 199, 351 including the fuse 359. This current energizes the cover feed solenoid I91 and keeps the slide finger I9l withdrawn which, as hereinbefore explained, permits the release and feedingof covers.

The fourth circuit will he termed a holding circuit since it is provided to prevent constant shifting of the slide finger with each testing cycle and to maintain the cover feed solenoid I91 energized as long as properly filled cans are continuously passing through the machine. This holding circuit includes the core 312 of the auxiliary solenoid 385 and when this solenoid shifts its double core the parts are set to establish the holding circuit as soon as a mechanically operated switch is closed as will now be explained.

The lower end of the core 312 is connected by a wire 316 to the testing circuit wire 12. The

wire 314 connects with a movable terminal element 311 'of a cam actuated switch 313 disposed in a lower compartment 319 of the housing 2ll3 (see Fig. 5' for relative location of this switch). The opposite terminal of switch 313 is connected to a wire 319 which is tapped into the sec-' ondary windings of the transformer 333. Thus when the switch 313 is closed the other parts of the circuit being set as dust described current from the transformer along wire 319,

through switch 31!, wire 319, core 312, wire 316, through the testing solenoid III, wires-393, 331 including the fuse 353 back to the transformer. The switch 313 is closed only when the electrodes 46 are out of a can as when being lifted from, orinsertedintoacan.

Switch 313 is opened and closed mechanically and reference should now be had to Figs. 5, 6 and 14 which show an edge cam III which constitutes the actuating, timed element for this purpose. The cam "I is formed as a part of the cam 33 and is engaged by a roller 332 which is carried on one end of a lever 333.. The lever is mounted intermediate its ends on a pivot stud 3 carried in a boss 33! formed on the side of the casing I39.

The opposite end of thelever 333 is bifurcated and carries a pivot pin 339 which extends through the lower end of a vertical slide pin 331. The latter slides in a bore 339 formed in a cover plate 399 which is bolted over and closes the bottom of the lower compartment 313 of the easing I33. The upper end of the pin 391 extends into this compartment and engages the movable element 311 of the switch 313 which is housed therein.

The cam roller 332 is kept against its cam track by means of an expansion spring 399 one end of which is retained in a hollow nut 39! threaded in, a lug 392 formed on the cover plate 399. The opposite end of the spring is located in a hollow spring barrel 393 slidahly mounted in a bore 393 in'the'lug 392. The closed end of the spring barrel, under pressure of the spring,

engages the lever 333 and holds the cam roller 332 in place.

The contour of the cam is such as to close the switch 319 just before the electrodes 46 are lifted out of the liquid of a properlyfilled can and to open the switch again just after the electrodes have been inserted into the next can. The cover feed solenoid is maintained energized as long as properly filled cans continue to'pass through the machine, the liquid in each of these cans acting to maintain the cover feed solenoid energized during the small time that the switch is open.

When an improperly filled can is encountered there is a failure of liquid connection between the electrodes and when the switch 319 is opened on its next actuation by the cam, the circuit is broken, the cover feed solenoid is de-energized and the spring 235 snaps the slide finger I9l in and stops the feeding of a cover. As soon as the next properly filled can comes along the circuits are again established and the cover feed solenoid is again energized and will then remain so until the next improperly filled can opens the testing circuit.

Since all solenoids are energized for proper can feeding a failure of current from the main source would automatically de-energize the solenoids and this would prevent the feeding of covers to cans which under such circumstances 1 could not be tested. This is an additional safety feature.

It will be seen from the foregoing description that my invention comprises a continuously-operating mechanical cover-feeding means chiefly comprising the slide H2, the separator diskl34 and the fingers I 64.

Also an independent mechanical means, which when acting positively, prevents the feeding of covers. This means consists mainly of element l9l which is mechanically reciprocable by elements 22 and 35. Also another mechanical device which, when positively actuated, prevents the functioning of the element ill, or means for preventing the cover feeding. This device consists mainly of elements 2" and 224. i

Also electrical circuits which, when closed by the liquid in a sufiiciently filled container, positively actuate the latch member 206.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advan tages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

I claim:

1. In a machine of the character described, the

combination of means for conveying filled containers, an electric circuit closed by the contents of sufilciently filled containers, cover feeding devices controlled by said electric means, means for applying the fed covers to said cans, and means controlled by the fed covers for directing filled containersto a closing station.-

2. In a machine for treating liquid filled containers, the combination of means for testing the liquid level therein, devices for conveying said containers to said testing means, cover feeding means for feeding covers to said containers and operative to feed covers only to sufllciently filled containers, devices for conveying said containers after testing, and athrow-out mechanism operative in the absence of a cover on each insufiiciently filled container for diverting such insumciently filled containers from said conveying devices.

3. In a machine for treating liquid filled containers, the combination of means for testing the liquid fill therein to determine if the liquid reaches a predetermined filled level and for thereby detecting an insufiiciently filled container, de-

- vices for conveying said containers after testing,

cover feeding means operative to feed covers only to containers filled to said predetermined level, and a throw-out mechanism operative in the absence of covers on said insufiiciently filled containers to divert from said conveying devices such insufiiciently filled containers.

4. In a machine for treating liquid filled containers, the combination of a conveyor for moving said containers, movable electric testing elements arranged above said conveyor, in'strumentalitiesfor inserting said testing elements into each container as it passes thereunder for testing its liquid level and thereby permitting the flow of electric current when a container is sufiiciently filled, means for normally feeding covers to said" containers, electric con'trols in circuit with said testing elements and operable when an insufilciently filled container is detected by said testing elements to prevent feeding or a cover to such container, and a throw-out mechanism operable when a cover is absent on a container for divetting such container from the machine.

5. In a machine for treating liquidfilled containers, the combination of means including an electrical circuit for detecting the presence of insufiiciently filled containers, cover feed devices, and means controlled by said electrical circuit and cooperating with said cover feed devices for rendering the latter inefiective when an insufllciently filled container is detected.

6. In a machine for treating liquidfilled containers, the combination of means including an electrical circuit for detecting the presence of insuiiiciently filled containers, cover feed devices for feeding covers to said containers, and means controlled by said electrical circuit for stopping the feeding of covers from said cover feed devices when the fill test of said containers is performed on an insufliciently filled container.

'7. In a machine for treating liquid filled containers, the combination of electrodes adapted for insertion into a said container for detecting insufiiciently filled containers, electrical means operable during the flow of electric energy between said electrodes and by way of the intervening liquid in a sufiiciently filled container, cover feed devices for Ieeding covers to sufliciently filled containers, and means governed .by said electrical means for withholding covers from insufiiciently filled containers. 8. In a machine for treating liquid filled containers, the combination of means for detecting insuificiently filled containers, cover feed devices, means controlled by an electric circuit through said detecting means and cooperating with said cover feed devices for rendering the latter, ineffective when an insufilciently filled container is detected, devices for conveying filled containers to and from said detecting means, and means operative in the absence of a. cover on an insufliciently filled container for diverting said insufficiently filled coverless container as determined by i said detecting means from the machine.

9. In a machine for treating liquid filled containers, the combination of means for detecting insufiiciently filled containers, cover feed devices, means controlled by an electric circuit through said detecting means for governing the feeding of covers from said cover feeding devices in accordance with the fill of the containers, de-

vices for conveying filled containers to and from said detecting means, and means for diverting containers from the machine when no covers are fed to them.

- 10. In a can machine, the combination 'of means for detecting insuificiently filled containers, cover feed devices, means controlled by said detecting means and cooperating with said cover feed devices for rendering the latter ineffective when an insufiiciently filled container is detected, a throw-out mechanism for diverting insufilcientlyvfilled containers from the machine without a cover, devices for conveying filled containers to and from said detecting means, and instrumentalities cooperating with said throw-out mechanism and operable by a cover fed when a substantially filled container is detected for rendering said throw-out mechanism ineffective.

11. In a machine for treating liquid filled containers, the combination of a conveyor for moving said containers in a continuous procession, movable elements arranged above the path 01 travel of said containers and insertable therein for detecting insumciently filled containers, cover separator devices for releasing covers from a magazine, means for receiving said released covers and for transferring them into axial alignment above said containers, and means controlled by said detecting elements and cooperating with said cover separaton devices for rendering the latter inefiective when an insumciently filled container is detected.

12. In a machine for treating liquid filled containers, the combination of a conveyor for moving said containers in a continuous procession, elements insertable into each container for. detecting insufliciently filled containers, cover feed devices, means controlled by said detecting elements and cooperating with said cover feed devices for rendering the latter ineffective when an 7 insufilciently filled container is detected, and means cooperating with said feeding controls for eflecting continuous operation of said cover feed devices when sufiiciently filled containers are suc-, cessively detected by said detecting elements.

l3. In a machine for treating liquid filled containers, the combination of elements for detecting insumciently filled containers, a cover magazine tor holding covers in stacked formation, cover separating devices for individually removing 'covers from, the stack, instrumentalities associated with said'cover separating devices for holding said covers at times against separation from the stack, and means controlled by said detecting elements and cooperating with said instrumentalities for causing the latter to withhold covers from insufliciently filled containers.

14. In a machine for treating liquid filled containers, the combination of a conveyor for said containers, movable elements insertable in a container for detecting insuificiently filled containers, a turret moving in time with said conveyor and having a pocket for receiving a tested container, cover separator devices, means controlled by an electric circuit through said detecting elements and cooperating with said cover separator devices for releasing a cover in accordance with the fill of said container, and means associated with said turret for receiving and carrying said released cover above and in axial alignment with said turret pocket.

15. In a machine for treating liquid filled con tainers, the combination of a conveyor'for said containers, movable electrodes disposed in the path of travel oi said conveyor and insertable into containers for detecting insufilciently' filled containers, cover ieed devices for feeding covers to sufilciently filled containers, means controlled by the fiow of electric energy between said electrodes while inserted in said containers for governing the feeding of covers by said cover feed devices in accordance with the fill 01' said containers, and means-operative by the absence of aand controlled by said testing means to prevent the application of a cover to an insumcientiy filled container, devices for conveying said ccn-.

tainers after testing, and a throw-out mechanism.

- ing of covers to lnsufilclently filled containers," and means operative by the. absence of a cover onan insu'fiiciently filled container for diverting such insumciently filled container from said feeding means.

18. In a machine for treating liquid filled containers and having a discharge unit associated therewith ior receiving insumci'ently filled containers, the combination of means ior testing the liquid level .in said containers and detecting an insufiiciently filled container, devices for conveying filled containers to said testing means, means for normally feeding covers to said containers, devices for conveying filled containersaiter testing, a throw-out mechanismoperative in the absence of a cover on a tested, insufilciently filled container for diverting such insufiiciently filled container into said discharge unit.

19. In a machine for treating filled containers and having a discharge unit-associated therewith for receiving insufilciently filled containers the combination of means for detecting insufllciently filled containers. cover feed devices, means controlled by an electric circuit through said detect-,

machineinto said discharge unit such insufliciently filled coverless container.

RONALD E. J. NORDQUIST. 

